Year-Ender Special

I know I haven't written much. I could count the number of posts i did this year with one hand. But before this year ends, I would like to post some kind of tribute to the year that was. Twitter, with its 140-character feature, will not be able to supply me with enough space to completely describe the 2009 experience.

Year 2009. Where do i even begin? The highlights? Definitely a lot.

This year had a great start since all emotional disputes were resolved on the eve of New Year 2008. At that time, i knew 2009 had a lot in store for me.

For the first month of the year, I experienced living independently, sans paying for my bills and other expenses with my own money. It was my first time to live away from home, hold a certain amount of cash and budget and take note of every cent spent so that i would have something left for fun and enjoyment.

I was in Manila. Over the short time I stayed there, I learned how to commute around the city. I had my Metro Manila map in my bag all the time so that I would always find my way around the city. Before traveling to a certain place or during a 'lost-moment' in the middle of a commute, i would discreetly peek in my bag to glance at my handy dandy map, folded to the part where i was planning to go (a promdi-to-city-move i learned from Pow). In less than a month, through constant jeepney and MRT riding, malling and etc. and frequent inquiries for directions from commuting experts, Tita Bing and Tito Boy, I was conquering the city and the outskirts like a certified "manila girl." I also realized that bringing a handkerchief with you is as necessary as wearing underwear and that taxis and tricycles in Davao are REALLY cheap.

Throughout the 10-month stay in Manila, i was able to watch one of my super kadooper favorite singers in the world: John Legend. Aside from him, i was also able to watch Rihanna & Chris Brown (before the beating issue), Craig David and Boyz II Men! From local artists at MTS' Taboan to international performers, definitely 10 levels-up!!

I started training at the largest military hospital in the country and met a lot of great people there. Ironically, I spoke bisaya more fluently and more often here compared to me talking in bisaya in Davao. It was because there were a lot of patients from mindanao or visayas who had a difficult time expressing in tagalog. Whenever I'd tell them that I'm from Davao, their faces would light up and speak a thousand words per minute - as if some kind of language barrier had been broken. Speaking bisaya was like a bonding activity me and my patients shared.

What or who i would never forget in V. Luna were the people I met and friendships I gained that helped me get through living away from home. Everyone there was "feeling close" and were incredibly fond laughing. I loved it.

This experience had also been the highlight of mine and Pow's relationship. This definitely took our relationship a notch higher and made us grow even closer. Since we were both living away from our families, we took care of each other even more. Made meals for each other, went to mass together, experienced ka-ignoy-an together like malls, theme parks, out of town trips, and other manila-sosyal-nesses. He became my constant buddy. I never felt lonely. :)

September came and my Manila sojourn ended. Packed around 10 boxes of my stuff that Pow continues to bring from Manila up until now. I think i still have a few more boxes left. (heehee)

From January to September, me and Pow were inseparable. I wasn't going to allow myself to drown in depression and boredom when I come back home. I loved my Manila experience too much. I applied for a job (not nursing related though) and got in. September 13 @11:30pm, I arrived Davao City. September 14 at 5am, I came in for work.

I got in at Western Wats. It's (more than just..) a call center. haha I worked as a market researcher - one who conducts surveys all across america. The work hours were good since it starts at 4 or 5am and ends before noon. Since I also work as an online writer for IOventures, everything worked great for me. Busy during day time, Skype-quality time with Pow in the evening.

This was my first time to receive a real paycheck and earn on my own. (Apparently, online selling did not count as a 'real' job) With the money I was earning, I was able to save up and buy a BLACKBERRY! Take note that I paid in cash. haha I was also able to buy stuff for my family and treat them to movies or pizza dinners. It was something that i have been wanting to do ever since I graduated. Sharing my hard earned money definitely had more meaning.

It's the last day and month of the year. Though my Western Wats contract ended, the friendship i gained from the people i met and became close to, will not. (naks, cheesy naman.)

2009 has indeed become fruitful for me. It was action packed, dramatic, expensive, funny, romantic and bittersweet. It's like my dream movie, although, like how movie trends are today, there is or will be a sequel and other quel-quel in the coming years.

I have a feeling that 2010 will be able to top this year's experience. Who knows? By December 31, 2010, i might be writing by a window on the other side of the earth.

Happy happy new year to everyone! Thank you very much for making my 2009 a conversational piece. I love you all. <3 ..and God, thank you again. It is through these moments that make me feel and think that You're playing favorites again. You haaaa... haha :)

Enjoy the rest of the last day of 2009. Let go of all negative feelings to give room for all the good vibrations coming your way!

Disney, with Pixar's help, does it again <3

We just came from a movie about an hour ago. Me, momma and daddy watched Up, a disney/pixar film which I have been itching to watch ages ago and have begged Pow, countless of times, to take me to see it. The bros weren't feeling the cutesie patootsie movie, so they watched G.I. Joe instead. Though I am also a guy-movie/action-packed-comic-or-cartoon-series-from-my-childhood-movies afficionado, GI didn't get me giddy enough to watch out for it. Bea Alonzo's And I love you so generated more excitement in me compared to it. I just couldn't relate. haha

Anyway, moving along now..

I looooooooove Up!!!! Aside from the characters' obvious cuteness, Disney proved that they still had it. The movie gave my heart a tug most especially during the "adventure book" scene where the lolo finds out that his recently departed wife Ellie had already filled up the pages of how she defined "fulfilling her dreams..." - which was the life she had with lolo Carl. Awww... It almost brought me to tears. (I have a weakness for old folks)

While I was journalling (yes, i have started journal writing again...), I kind of thought about my own "adventure" or dreams that I have planned for myself which I believe would really make me a happier person. Like what age should I get married, have kids, the career I would concentrate on, or whether or not to continue being a nurse. Then I realized that you couldn't call it an adventure if you had your future all planned out. I think that what matters most now to me is not what the future has in store, but the one who hugs me and holds my hand as I fill up the pages of my own adventure book.

So here's to the uncertain future my newly reflected self is about to embark upon.. Good luck and hold tight!

should've done the laundry 2 hours ago.

if i had done the laundry two hours ago, i could be in bed by now, enjoying my teleseryes without a worry that i might doze off anytime.

if i went to bed now, i could wake up earlier than usual and have time to fix myself a nice breakfast.. and maybe have extra time to make lunch too.

if i made lunch for myself, i wouldn't have to buy food from the hospital's cafeteria/canteen whose kitchen i haven't inspected..

if i do not buy lunch tomorrow, i would be able to save more and have extra money to buy Boyz II Men concert tickets and Pow's anniversary gift.

i should stop procrastinating. i'll do the laundry now..

for real.

-o-

Here's something for everyone

**here's a lil guide i dedicate to all my blogger visitors who are thinking of better ways to live 2009 ♥ hope these enlighten you as it did me!

HANDBOOK 2009

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants. 4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5.. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008..
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19.. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business..
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.


Happy 2009 to all of us!

Barack Obama's Inaugural Speech

Barack Obama has been sworn in as the 44th US president. Here is his inauguration speech in full. (copied from BBC.com)



My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this transition.

Key words used by President Barack Obama in his inaugural address.

Enlarge Image

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.

At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

Serious challenges

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

We have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

Nation of 'risk-takers'

We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and travelled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and ploughed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

'Remaking America'

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.

Restoring trust

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.

The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

'Ready to lead'

As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.

We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the spectre of a warming planet. We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

'Era of peace'

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

'Duties'

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honour them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths.

What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

'Gift of freedom'

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have travelled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

Mini Dresses, Watches, Cincher-uppers and Boyfriend Polos FOR SALE!

Mad about Plaid?

Glam-a-fying an Outfit?

Arm Candy? Anyone?

or are you itching for that Tomboy-Sexy Look?

Whatever it is, here's one place where you can all find these...

CLICK ME

you know u want to.

Midnight Sun

Okay. Add me up in Edward Cullen's list of hungry-for-his-bite fans. Desperate even. But how could you not when your not so average vampire looks this hot in wayfarers? Movie was not that great. The story was too compressed that if you didn't read the book, more so, if you've never heard of the Twilight series, it would appear too pilit and think that they were not actually in love but infatuated with each other. But all those details are waived as Edward does his signature stare at Bella. I wouldn't mind being stalked by someone hot as hell, yet literally cool as ice. One stare lang, lag-lag panty na.

I was browsing the net for more pictures of Rob Pattinson when I came across the Twilight official site and discovered a 5th book in the best selling saga. It is Edward's version of the first story. According to the author, the book's draft was leaked out on the internet. She decided to temporarily stop writing since she "is not in her right state of mind." Although, she was nice enough to release Chapters 1-12 of her illegally distributed draft so that her "readers don't have to feel they have to make a sacrifice to stay honest."

Can't give out any more details to the draft since I'm currently reading it too.. aaand, i have to wipe off this pool of drool from too much Edward/Rob obsession. Besides, I know that you'll be on the prowl for a copy of Midnight Sun. I just wanted to return the favor to all Twilight fans who encouraged me to give in to my own temptation and buy and read the book 2 days before the movie was released.

---------
You are my life now.. ---Edward Cullen to Bella..

OMFG.